Mrs Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund

Who was Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund?

Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund was a 38 (thirty-eight) year-old Swedish passenger who survived the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born on October 10, 1873, she embarked on the ill-fated voyage with her husband and five children, becoming one of the few third-class passengers to survive the disaster.

Early Life and Background

Swedish Roots

Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund, née Johansson, was born in Sweden in 1873. Her Swedish heritage played a significant role in shaping her life and the decisions that ultimately led her family to seek new opportunities across the Atlantic.

Family Life

Prior to boarding the Titanic, Selma was married to Carl Oscar Vilhelm Gustafsson Asplund. Together, they had five children:

The Titanic Journey

Why did the Asplund family board the Titanic?

The Asplund family boarded the Titanic at Southampton as third-class passengers, embarking on a journey that would change their lives forever. They were traveling from their home in Alseda village, Småland, Sweden, with hopes of starting a new life at 151 Vernon St. Worcester, Massachusetts.

Ticket and Fare Details

Ticket Number: 347077
Fare: £31 7s 9d

This fare, equivalent to approximately £3,700 in today’s currency, represented a significant investment for a third-class family seeking a better future in America.

The Fateful Night

Who survived from the Asplund family?

The night of April 14-15, 1912, brought unimaginable tragedy to the Asplund family. Out of the seven family members:

Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund (survived)
Lillian Gertrud Asplund (survived)
Edvin Rojj Felix Asplund (survived)

Tragically, Selma’s husband Carl and their other three children perished in the disaster.

Rescue Details

Selma, along with her daughter Lillian and son Felix, were rescued by Lifeboat 10. This lifeboat was one of the last to be launched from the Titanic, leaving the ship at around 2:05 am on April 15, 1912.

Life After the Titanic

How did Selma cope after the disaster?

Following the tragedy, Selma and her two surviving children faced immense challenges. The community in Worcester, Massachusetts, rallied around the surviving Asplunds:

In Worcester, a collection was started after the disaster for Selma and her children from which Selma would receive a monthly sum.

This support was crucial in helping Selma rebuild her life and care for her remaining children in the aftermath of such a profound loss.

Selma’s Later Years

Selma Asplund lived a long life after surviving the Titanic disaster. Some key facts about her later years include:

She never remarried after losing her husband Carl in the sinking.
Selma dedicated her life to raising her surviving children and preserving the memory of those she lost.
She passed away on April 15, 1964, at the age of 90 (ninety).

Legacy and Impact

A Poignant Anniversary

In a twist of fate that highlights the enduring impact of the Titanic disaster on her life, Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund passed away on April 15, 1964 – exactly 52 years after the sinking of the Titanic. This coincidence serves as a powerful reminder of how the events of that night in 1912 continued to shape the lives of survivors for decades to come.

Family Connections

The Titanic disaster left an indelible mark on the Asplund family:

Selma’s daughter, Lillian Gertrud Asplund, became one of the last surviving passengers with memories of the sinking.
Her son, Edvin Rojj Felix Asplund, was the last male survivor of the Titanic, though he had no memories of the event due to his young age at the time.

A Testament to Resilience

Selma Augusta Emilia Asplund’s story is one of incredible resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. From a third-class passenger on the Titanic to a symbol of survival, her life serves as a poignant reminder of both the human cost of the disaster and the strength of those who lived to tell the tale.